This Texas Roadhouse-Style Salmon is a perfectly seasoned, buttery, and flaky dish inspired by the famous restaurant. It’s marinated in a savory blend of spices, grilled or pan-seared to perfection, and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Serve it with a side of mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor – Inspired by the famous Texas Roadhouse salmon.
- Simple & Easy – Made with pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Healthy & Protein-Packed – Loaded with omega-3s and nutrients.
- Quick Cooking – Ready in just 20 minutes.
- Versatile – Grill it, bake it, or pan-sear it!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (or dried thyme)
- ½ tsp brown sugar (for a caramelized finish)
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
For Garnish:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley or green onions
Directions

1. Marinate the Salmon
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
- Let the salmon marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Salmon
Grilled Method (Recommended for Texas Roadhouse-Style)
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F) and lightly oil the grates.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 125-130°F.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pan-Seared Method
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden and flaky.
Oven-Baked Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place salmon on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, broiling for the last 2 minutes for a crispy top.
3. Serve & Enjoy
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Honey Glazed – Replace brown sugar with honey for extra sweetness.
- Spicy Kick – Increase cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes.
- Garlic Butter Salmon – Brush with melted garlic butter before serving.
- Lemon Herb Version – Add fresh dill or rosemary to the marinade.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months (best fresh).
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw completely before marinating and cooking.
How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the grill?
Oil the grates well and don’t flip too early—let it develop a crust first.
What’s the best way to check if salmon is done?
Use a thermometer—it should reach 125-130°F for medium.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the salmon up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.
What should I serve with this?
Try it with garlic butter rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! Just omit the brown sugar and use extra butter.
Can I bake this in foil?
Yes! Wrap in foil and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes for extra moisture.
How do I make it extra crispy?
Sear in a hot pan or broil for 2 minutes at the end.
Can I use this seasoning for other fish?
Absolutely! This works great with trout, tilapia, or cod.
How do I make the flavor even stronger?
Let it marinate for at least 1 hour or add extra garlic and herbs.
Conclusion
This Texas Roadhouse-Style Salmon is a flavorful, buttery, and perfectly seasoned dish that’s easy to make at home. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared, it’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, homemade salmon dinner!
PrintTexas Roadhouse-Style Salmon Recipe
This copycat Texas Roadhouse salmon is juicy, perfectly seasoned, and easy to make. Serve it with a side of rice, veggies, or a baked potato for a restaurant-style meal at home!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled or Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American, Steakhouse Copycat
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (for a slight caramelized crust)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For Garnish (Optional)
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Season the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, lemon pepper seasoning, and brown sugar.
- Drizzle olive oil over the salmon, then rub the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the fillets.
2. Cook the Salmon (Grill or Pan-Sear Method)
-
Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375–400°F) and grease the grates.
- Place salmon skin-side down and grill for 4–5 minutes per side until flaky.
-
Pan-Sear Method: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Place salmon skin-side down and sear for 4 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes.
-
The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
3. Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from heat and garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
- Serve with rice, baked potatoes, or steamed veggies for a classic Texas Roadhouse-style meal!
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Notes
- Want extra flavor? Marinate the salmon in lemon juice and olive oil for 15 minutes before cooking.
- Make it spicy by adding ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- For a smoky touch, use cedar planks on the grill.